The parliamentary inquiry into family, domestic and sexual violence will continue its public hearings next week; speaking to a broad range of organisations working to address domestic and family violence across the country.
From 12 to 16 October, the House of Representatives Social Policy and Legal Affairs Committee will hear from leading peak and community organisations who represent the experiences of a diverse cross section of the Australian community, including: people with disabilities; culturally and linguistic diverse communities; people in regional, rural and remote areas; older persons; people identifying as LGBTQIA+; and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The Committee will also hear from representatives of women’s and men’s health organisations, and organisations that focus on men as both perpetrators and victims of domestic violence.
In addition, the Committee will hold a roundtable discussion with police from the Commonwealth and most State and Territory jurisdictions, to discuss the role and efforts of police in enforcing laws and working with communities in response to family violence.
Chair of the Committee, Mr Andrew Wallace MP, said it was necessary to understand how family violence is experienced across the community, including by people in vulnerable groups or with specific needs.
‘The Committee is looking forward to hearing about how different approaches may be needed to assist women from diverse circumstances and backgrounds to escape violence, and to work effectively with men who are victims or perpetrators of family violence. The Committee wants to ensure that a range of voices is represented in the evidence we hear.’
The evidence the Committee gathers, and the recommendations of its inquiry, will inform the next National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children.
In order to ensure public safety during the COVID-19 situation, Committee members and witnesses will participate in the hearing remotely, via videoconference and teleconference. Interested members of the public are invited to watch or listen to the live broadcast at aph.gov.au/live.
Public hearing details
Date: Monday, 12 October 2020
Time: 9.00am to 4.00pm
Location: Via teleconference
Date: Tuesday, 13 October 2020
Time: 10.00am to 5.30pm
Location: Via videoconference
Date: Wednesday, 14 October 2020
Time: 9.15am to 1.30pm
Location: Via teleconference
Date: Thursday, 15 October 2020
Time: 8.45am to 3.30pm
Location: Via teleconference
Date: Friday, 16 October 2020
Time: 8.45am to 3.45pm
Location: Via teleconference
View the public hearing programs here.
